1. Tare: The Weight of the Container or Packaging
Tare refers to the weight of the container, packaging, or any material that is not part of the net cargo but is included in the total weight.
Example: A 20-foot container has an approximate tare weight of 2,300 kg. If the net cargo weighs 23,000 kg, the total gross weight would be 25,300 kg.
2. CBM (Cubic Meter): Volume Measurement
CBM (Cubic Meter) is the unit of measurement used to determine cargo volume and is critical for air and ocean shipments.
Formula to calculate CBM:
Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
Example: A box that is 2 m long, 1.5 m wide, and 1 m high has a volume of:
3 CBM
3. Gross Weight and Net Weight
- Net Weight: The weight of the goods only, excluding packaging and containers.
- Gross Weight: The total weight including cargo, packaging, and container.
Example: If the cargo weighs 20,000 kg and the container has a tare weight of 2,500 kg, the gross weight is 22,500 kg.
4. Payload or Usable Cargo
This is the maximum amount of cargo allowed inside a container or transport unit, excluding the tare weight.
Example: If a 40-foot container has a maximum allowable gross weight of 30,480 kg and a tare weight of 3,900 kg, the usable payload would be:
26,580 kg
5. Weight-to-Volume Ratio in Air and Ocean Transport
Carriers apply conversion factors to calculate volumetric weight, which may affect freight rates:
- Air Freight: The formula used is:
Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000 - Ocean Freight: CBM is used, and a weight-to-volume ratio is applied, generally 1 CBM = 1 metric ton for LCL tariffs.
6. TEU and FEU: Measurements in Ocean Transport
- TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit): A unit of measurement based on 20-foot containers.
- FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit): Equivalent to two TEU, i.e., one 40-foot container.
Example: A vessel with a capacity of 5,000 TEU can carry 2,500 40-foot containers or 5,000 20-foot containers.
Conclusion: The Importance of Understanding These Measurements
Understanding these concepts helps optimize cargo loading, calculate costs accurately, and avoid issues in customs or transportation.At VAL Logistics, our experts ensure efficient logistics planning based on these key measurements. Contact us to optimize your international shipments.
